Three-year-old Scissor Kick will continue his quest for his first Group One victory this Saturday at Randwick. The colt is one of just seven horses set to tackle the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m), the smallest field since the race was introduced to the Sydney autumn carnival back in 2006.
Scissor Kick is expected to peak in his third campaign run, the Group 1 Randwick Guineas. Photo by Steve Hart.
This is due in large part to the Randwick Guineas and Melbourne’s Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) being scheduled on the same day.
Despite the small field size, the 2015 Randwick Guineas is set to be a high-class affair with the likes of Hallowed Crown and Shooting To Win lining up alongside Scissor Kick.
The Paul Messara-trained colt just missed out on a Group One victory to rival Hallowed Crown in the Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) last September and has already lost to the Bart & James Cummings-trained colt once this preparation.
Scissor Kick resumed with a powerful first-up win in the Group 3 Prince Eskimo Stakes (1200m) on February 7 before tackling the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) two weeks later, in which he finished fifth to Hallowed Crown.
Messara is not concerned about the 2-0 record held by Hallowed Crown, believing Scissor Kick is in the perfect condition to peak third-up in the 2015 Randwick Guineas.
“The horse is thriving and I would expect him to peak third up (on Saturday) and that’s what he has indicated in his work and in his demeanour,” the trainer told Sky Racing.
“I was happy enough with his Hobartville run. I don’t think there is a lot between these Sydney colts. Luck in running is a huge factor.”
Scissor Kick will jump from barrier three with Tye Angland to ride while the two race favourites will jump in the two neighbouring inside gates.
Angland believes a lack of turn of foot was what Scissor Kick was missing in the Hobartville Stakes, which he’ll need to factor in the Guineas this Saturday.
“He just lacked that turn of foot when I gave him a good squeeze and he only started to get warmed up in the final 100 metres,” Angland said.
The colt was posted three wide but had cover and was roughly three lengths off the leaders into the turn. He has held up late in the race when trying to make ground and went nicely on the line, finishing one and three-quarter lengths off the win.
Hallowed Crown and Shooting To Win are co-favourites in the Randwick Guineas betting at Ladbrokes.com.au at $3 while Shooting To Win is on the third line of betting at $5.50.
The online bookie is offering Best Tote or SP + 20% on the race, which means you’ll receive an additional 20% on top of your winnings.
